Author: starconnect
Titus Eleweke South East Editor I Wednesday, August 19, 2026 AWKA – Anambra State-born human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has stated that the Igbo people have suffered marginalisation in Nigeria, but argued that such grievances cannot legitimise the destruction of their people, communities and property. Ejiofor made the assertion in his latest piece titled, “MIDWEEK MUSINGS: IT IS TOO LATE IN THE DAY TO DENY THE OBVIOUS: WHEN A PEOPLE’S LAND IS DESECRATED WITH BLOOD, THE VENGEANCE OF HISTORY CANNOT BE LAUGHED AWAY.” In the piece, he…
By SCM International Desk I Wednesday, August 19, 2026 THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court issued a sharp rebuke against the United States on Wednesday, calling new U.S. financial designations targeting its top judge and a senior prosecutor a “flagrant attack” against judicial independence and the global legal order. The tribunal’s statement comes after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Judge Tomoko Akane of Japan, the current President of the Court, and Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal, a Senior Trial Lawyer in the Office of the Prosecutor. ”When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is…
By Emmanuel Thomas l Wednesday, August 19, 2026 LAGOS — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have neutralized a major transnational drug syndicate, seizing a massive 184.5 kilograms of high-grade cocaine with an estimated street value of N39 billion. The extensive, intelligence-driven operation culminated in the dramatic arrest of the alleged cartel head—a prominent social media personality and businessman popularly known as “KC Luxury”—while attempting to flee the country. The suspect, who publicly portrayed himself as an opulent lifestyle influencer and a legitimate gold trader, was intercepted on August 13 at the boarding gate of…
By SCM International Desk I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 GAZA CITY — An Israeli military strike struck a seaside café near the port of Gaza City, killing at least eight people and wounding 15 others, local health officials and witnesses said. The attack hit a waterfront gathering spot where civilians, displaced residents, and young people frequently congregated to access internet connection, charge electronic devices, and seek relief from surrounding destruction. According to medical personnel at nearby treatment facilities, the casualties were brought in shortly after the strike, with several of the 15 injured reported to be in critical…
Admin I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 ABUJA — The Nigerian football officiating community was thrown into deep mourning following the tragic death of Plateau State referee, Aweng Solomon Maram, who collapsed and died during a routine pre-season fitness assessment in Abuja. The harrowing incident occurred at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, where match officials from across the country had gathered for the mandatory physical fitness test organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Development Unit and the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. According to witnesses present at the stadium’s…
By SCM International Desk I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 WASHINGTON — A United States federal court has issued a strict four-day deadline for the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to disclose law enforcement records relating to alleged drug-trafficking activities involving Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. US District Judge Beryl Howell turned down a request by government attorneys for a 10-day extension, granting only four additional days and fixing August 21, 2026 as the firm compliance deadline. The decision comes in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) disclosure case that has been moving through federal court for more than three…
By Our Reporter I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 OSOGBO — Internationally acclaimed Afrobeat megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has made explosive revelations concerning the Osun State governorship election, alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) deployed over ₦110 billion in a failed bid to buy votes and secure victory. Speaking during an exclusive interview on News Central TV, the music star revealed that his figure was based on direct intelligence obtained from an insider within the political structure. According to Davido, despite the massive mobilization by the ruling party—which included the presence of 17 state governors,…
Admin I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 LAGOS -Zenith Bank Plc will host the 10th edition of its International Trade Seminar on Non-Oil Export on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, bringing together leading policymakers, regulators, exporters, manufacturers, investors and other key stakeholders to explore practical strategies for unlocking value and accelerating growth in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector. Themed “Unlocking Value and Harnessing Growth in Non-Oil Export”, the virtual seminar will examine how Nigeria can move beyond exporting raw commodities to build globally competitive value chains, expand market access, strengthen trade infrastructure and financing, and deepen the contribution of non-oil exports…
Admin I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 ABEOKUTA – As part of its efforts to alleviate hunger and support livelihoods across Nigeria, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has donated more than 2,000 food packs to residents in Abeokuta, Ogun State, through its Fidelity Food Bank Initiative. The distribution exercise, held at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cathedral, Itesi, Adatan, Abeokuta is a part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme focused on supporting vulnerable populations and expanding access to essential food supplies. Speaking at the event, Folaranmi Jemirin, Regional Bank Head, South West 1, Fidelity Bank…
By SCM Sports Desk I Tuesday, August 18, 2026 NEW YORK — Venus and Serena Williams made a highly anticipated return to competitive doubles tennis, drawing a packed, energetic crowd eager to witness one of the most dominant duos in the history of the sport reunite on the court. Despite flashes of the signature power and synchronization that brought them 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, the iconic sisters fell short in their opening-round encounter. The match was characterized by tight, physical rallies and high-stakes intensity. While the Williams sisters displayed steady baseline control early on, rust from extended absences…